Shallow holes 6 months after fractional CO2 laser procedure. Best options to treat this? (photos)

Question

Hi, I'm a 50 year old Caucasian male. I've had two co2 laser procedures for some not so deep acne scars. The first one which was 2 years ago was a not too strong 3 pass procedure. It turned out fine. But this last one I received was a very strong 1 pass procedure. I wont get into the details because its sad. Anyway it's almost 6 months later and I have been left with holes all over. Some look like large pores going in straight lines. I would like the best advice on how to treat this situation. Thank you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

texture can be improved with peels and skin care but you will need long term lasers and microneedling RF treatments to continue collagen production.
Acne scar treatment needs a combination approach for improvement.  For the best results, one should target the acne scar type.  As everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, the best solution is a tailored one.  Typically you need fillers like bellafill and sculptra for atrophic indented type scars with or without subcision.  Subcision for depressed tethered scars.  Vascular lasers like yellow laser, aerolase, excel V or IPL for redness or thick scars. And lasers such as fraxel, erbium, co2 or fractional radiofrequency like venus viva, skinfinity, intensif or fractora microneedling RF for textural issues and superficial scarring.  Deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars are best treated with TCA CROSS and punch excision.  All lasers are combined with microneedling and PRP to get even better results and improve healing times.   The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment plan is needed by an expert physician.  It is never about the laser or product that gives the results, its about the expert behind the equipment that gets you the outcome.  Scars cannot be cured and will need life-long treatments to maintain and build on the results.  For those at high risk for hyperpigmentation (darker skin types or asian or hispanic or mixed ethnicities) we alreayd pre-treat the skin with cosmelan or enlighten lightening peels to prevent complications from energy-based or chemical-based treatments.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

The photo demonstrates enlarged pores which should have improved with fractional CO2 laser treatment. When treating enlarged pores, fractional CO2, microneedling, Clear + Brilliant, eMatrix/Sublative, and skincare (retinols) tend to help.

Shallow holes 6 months after fractional CO2 laser procedure. Best options to treat this? (photos)

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Shallow holes 6 months after fractional CO2 laser procedure. Best options to treat this? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.